MAITLAND have made major inroads for 2022 and beyond after re-signing at least half-a-dozen key players on multi-season deals.
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The Pickers, who wrapped up the Newcastle Rugby League minor premiership last month, will keep the services of captain Alex Langbridge, injured centre Gary Anderson and forward quartet James Taylor, Faitotoa Faitotoa, Jayden Butterfield and Sam Anderson.
Langbridge, Faitotoa, Butterfield and both Andersons have inked deals for another two years while Taylor is back on board for a further three.
Maitland have won 13 of 15 appearances this campaign, which includes a 16-all draw with Macquarie last start, and remain unbeaten since a two-point loss in round three.
This follows a statewide President's Cup title last year, dropping just one game along the way.
"I'm pleased with the commitment shown by the boys. They are obviously enjoying their time here and want to continue being part of it," Pickers coach Matt Lantry said.
"It's rare to have players sign longer than one year in this comp."
Lantry says negotiations to retain halfback Brock Lamb are underway while five-eighth Chad O'Donnell singed for three years after 2020.
Josh Callinan
My name is Josh Callinan and I'm a sports journalist at the Newcastle Herald. I started with the newspaper in 2016 after a decade at the Maitland Mercury.
My name is Josh Callinan and I'm a sports journalist at the Newcastle Herald. I started with the newspaper in 2016 after a decade at the Maitland Mercury.
